Technical Battery replacement / alternator

[larkim]

SWMBO had to be started by the RAC last week after about 10 x 2 mile journeys failed to recharge the battery properly. RAC man identified noises from the alternator, and backed this up with voltage measurements showing that it was operating at less than optimal. Multi is now booked in for a new alternator at the end of this week.

His readings also suggested that the battery (5 years old) might also be on the way out, so as a precaution I ordered a replacement battery, thinking that at worst I could fit that and have a little more confidence that the battery would see is through for the week.

Battery arrived on Friday, and I set to removing / replacing the battery on Friday evening. All went well, I could reach the various bolts etc, and replaced the battery fine, using appropriate grease etc. The negative clasp was slightly difficult to fit, as it seemed that the metal on the terminal had a ridge on it towards the top, but with a bit of force I was fairly confident that it was contacting properly.

Came to start up the multi, feeling pleased with myself (I'm no mechanic!!!) and just got the fast clicking that you'd associate with the starter not turning over due to insufficient power. Removed the clips, cleaned up the contacts and re-attached - same result. Battery was reading 12v on the multimeter (an analogue one, so not too precise).

I swapped back the old battery, and everything started properly, indicating that the new battery either was insufficiently charged, or there was some other issue with it.

The battery is a Varta E11 - details - http://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/product/E11/

Is there any reason why the above battery shouldn't be sufficient to start a 1.9 JTD (2008)?

Cheers!

Matt

 

[boilermansab]

Can only be a duff battery...or its not man enough for the job...what is the cca rating on it compares to the old one?

 

[larkim]

CCA (EN) is 680. Don't know what the original one is, but would have thought that that would be enough!

When I get the alternator swapped on Friday I'll get the garage to check out the battery with their kit. Perhaps it just arrived a little undercharged, or perhaps the issue I had with seating the negative connector wasn't as well resolved as I thought it was.

On a side note, the original battery sat on a plastic tray with a drain tube underneath it, presumably to avoid acid spillage risk. The new battery is larger (it fits the whole of the tray, and does fit in fine) but can't fit on the plastic tray - is that necessary, or just a nice to have?

Matt